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Review by Dana Villamagna, Common Sense Education | Updated July 2012

My Spelling Test

Empowering app engages students in spelling self-assessment

Subjects & skills
Subjects
  • English Language Arts
Skills
  • Character & SEL
  • Critical Thinking
  • College & Career Prep
Grades This grade range is a recommendation by Common Sense Education and not the developer/publisher.
1–5
Common Sense says (See details)
Teachers say (1 Review)
Platforms:  Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Kindle Fire

Take a look inside

5 images
Well-organized main screen.
Test-customizing options on the iPad version of the app.
All tests compiled on one page.
Adding a new word to a test.
Clear, encouraging feedback on the iPad version of the app.

Pros: Simple design puts kids' focus on the spelling.

Cons: If a kid doesn't accurately type in each word, even if they spell it correctly during a test, the app will record it as incorrect.

Bottom Line: Quality spelling app needs some oversight, could be improved with the ability to track multiple students' results.

My Spelling Test is an app that allows kids to create do-it-yourself spelling tests. Instructions are provided, although the process of creating the tests doesn't need much explanation. Kids type in each spelling word and record their voice saying the word; they'll then hear the test questions in their own familiar voice. After all spelling words have been inputted and recorded, My Spelling Test provides a word-by-word test. Kids are immediately told if the letters they type don't match the word they entered when making the list. Watch out: If kids don't enter the word correctly initially, they could be testing against an incorrect spelling, causing frustration and confusion. As a result, some teacher oversight of test setup is required. Note: At the time of this review, My Spelling Test does not include the ability to create individual student accounts for multiple user tracking, but the developer indicates that feature is coming soon.

The app is well-organized and intuitive, and kids will like the simple but charming design. One downside: If a kid doesn't accurately type in each word, even if he or she spells it correctly during a test, the app will record it as incorrect. During tests, the app gives users immediate feedback, which may help in spelling success. Lists are saved, test progress recorded, and results can be emailed. Encouraging words of praise appear on the screen with test results.

Overall Rating
Engagement Is the product stimulating, entertaining, and engrossing? Will kids want to return?

The app engages kids by empowering them to become their own spelling tutor -- they can create and administer their own tests and view instant results.

Pedagogy Is learning content seamlessly baked-in, and do kids build conceptual understanding? Is the product adaptable and empowering? Will skills transfer?

During tests, the app gives users immediate feedback, which may be helpful in spelling success. This do-it-yourself spelling study tool promotes self-reliance and academic growth.

Support Does the product take into account learners of varying abilities, skill levels, and learning styles? Does it address both struggling and advanced students?

Clear, brief instructions are provided for each step of the test-creation process and test-taking. A progress tracker provides testing feedback and motivation.

Common Sense Reviewer
Dana Villamagna Classroom teacher
About our ratings and privacy evaluation.

Key Standards Supported

Language

  • L.1.2d

    Use conventional spelling for words with common spelling patterns and for frequently occurring irregular words.

  • L.1.2e

    Spell untaught words phonetically, drawing on phonemic awareness and spelling conventions.

  • L.2.2d

    Generalize learned spelling patterns when writing words (e.g., cage → badge; boy → boil).

  • L.3.2e

    Use conventional spelling for high-frequency and other studied words and for adding suffixes to base words (e.g., sitting, smiled, cries, happiness).

  • L.4.2d

    Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

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Teacher Reviews

Featured review by
Mieke V. , Researcher
Researcher
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States
Create and take personalized spelling tests
My Spelling Test is a simple, straightforward app that allows users to create and then take their own spelling tests. Users create tests by typing in words and then recording their own voice pronouncing the words. To take the test, the app plays the recordings back one-by-one in a randomized order and the student must type each word after it is read. To hear the word again, simply click on a “say word again” button. The app gives instant feedback, telling the test-taker if the word was spelled correctly and gives the correct spelling if needed. (NB: “Correct” spelling means that the word matches the word entered when the test was set up, so it is important to not make mistakes when creating the test!) At the end of each test, the student gets a score reflecting how many words were spelled correctly. The app also keeps a score history and data on which individual words were spelled correctly and which were incorrect for each time the test is taken. The free version allows users to make and take one test, a paid version allows an un limited number of tests. The simplicity of the app is nice; it is extremely easy to use, and since users make their own spelling lists, it is infinitely versatile. If students help set the tests up, they will likely have a lot of fun recording their own voice and then listening to the playback. Beyond that, the engagement possibilities of this app is relatively low as it lacks any kind of bells and whistles. My Spelling Test is simply an electronic way to take a spelling test, which in and of itself, has potential for making studying spelling words more exciting. And, of course, to spell the words, students must use the keyboard, which is a good way to get them to practice typing and finding letters on the keyboard.
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